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The film "Michael", directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, is the first large-scale project to bring Michael Jackson's allure to the big screen. It spans his career from the Jackson 5 in the 1960s to his solo ventures, focusing on his complex relationship with his father, Joseph. The narrative highlights Jackson's profound loneliness, a theme that resonates throughout the film, depicting him as a sensitive individual who found his closest companions in animals.

While the film has garnered significant fan approval, critics have offered a more mixed reception. On Rotten Tomatoes, "Michael" achieved a 97% audience score from over 2,500 users but only a 39% rating from 202 critic reviews. This disparity stems partly from script changes made during production.

According to The New Yorker, critics' assessments were influenced by structural changes to the script. Before its release, the production team undertook reshoots, costing approximately 15 million USD, and rewrote significant portions of the content. The original script reportedly began in 1993 with police raiding Michael Jackson's Neverland estate following allegations of sexual abuse by Jordan Chandler. The story then flashed back to recount the pop star's life before returning to the Chandler lawsuit. Jackson had settled the case for 23 million USD, and the investigation concluded after the Chandler family ceased cooperation with prosecutors.

However, the final version of the film entirely omits all details related to Jordan Chandler. This omission was reportedly due to Jackson family lawyers discovering a clause in the settlement agreement that prohibited the depiction or mention of Chandler in any film. Consequently, the filmmakers were compelled to remove relevant segments and adjust the storyline. This decision, while legally necessary, led some critics to feel the film lacked depth in exploring the character's complexities.

A significant highlight of the film is the performance by Jaafar Jackson, Michael's nephew, who convincingly embodies the lead role. He successfully recreates Michael Jackson's distinct aura, gestures, and performance style. Variety noted the difficulty of portraying such a recognizable cultural icon, whose image is deeply ingrained in the public consciousness. However, Jaafar demonstrates flexibility in his acting, delivering familiar traits while offering his own perspective. On stage, he conveys Michael Jackson's passion in each number, while in everyday scenes, his character appears quiet and vulnerable.

Jaafar Jackson in the lead role of "Michael". Photo: Lionsgate

The director effectively utilizes music, showcasing the hit songs synonymous with Michael Jackson's name. USA Today reported that classic tracks such as "Billie Jean", "Beat It", "Thriller", and "Ben" are staged with vivid sound quality, akin to live performances, allowing viewers to revisit memories associated with the pivotal moments of Michael's career.

The script dedicates many segments to portraying Michael Jackson's profound loneliness. The film opens in 1966 at the family home in Gary, Indiana, where Joseph oversees his children's performances. Joseph's ambition to lift his family out of hardship, viewing his children's success as a ticket to a better life, inadvertently placed immense pressure on young Michael. At a tender age, Michael faced intense training demands and his father's high expectations, which, while motivating, also caused psychological trauma.

Instead of a typical childhood, Michael was immersed in an adult work environment, spending his time in recording studios and on stage. At just 10 years old, he demonstrated his talent to producer Berry Gordy by singing "Who's Lovin' You", inadvertently setting himself up to meet the demanding standards of the music industry. Through these events, the director depicts Michael as a sensitive individual who struggled to socialize. In one scene, he tells his mother, Katherine Jackson, that he has no friends. His longing for affection is evident in impulsive actions, such as his heartfelt embrace when bidding farewell to Berry Gordy.

As Michael matured, the emptiness in his soul did not fade but became more pronounced. When the family prospered from music earnings, he found joy in the company of wild animals, including snakes, llamas, giraffes, and his chimpanzee, Bubbles. For Michael, these were not merely pets but emotional anchors. This detail underscores his isolated state, revealing that fame, rather than connecting him to the world, further separated him from others.

In subsequent years, Michael worked to gain creative freedom with solo albums like "Off the Wall" and "Thriller". However, his father's influence and his persistent sense of alienation remained. His desire for autonomy culminated in his final performance with his former band, marked by the scene where he declares his intent to pursue a solo career.

Looper suggests that the project could evolve into a series, leaving open the question of whether future installments will maintain a cautious approach or delve deeper into the character's more complex aspects.

Michael Jackson (1958-2009) was born into a family with 10 siblings. In 11/1982, he released "Thriller", an album recognized by Guinness World Records as the best-selling of all time. Throughout his career, he earned 13 Grammy Awards and six Billboard Awards. He also received the American Music Award for Artist of the Century and the Bambi Award honoring the Pop Artist of the Millennium. On 25/6/2009, he passed away at his Neverland ranch in California, United States, due to acute propofol intoxication leading to respiratory failure.

Cat Tien